“We want all of our people to be paid fairly and at a level which is not only sustainable for our business but also recognises the value that every individual brings to our mahi (work),” said Hall.

“This wage movement is a large investment for our business, but it will make a big difference to our people and their whanau (extended family), which is important to us.”

“People are at the forefront of our business and our experiences, and we want to ensure we are retaining and attracting great people into the tourism industry, so we can offer world-class experiences to the more than one million customers we host every year.”

Earlier in the month, Wellington City Council become the first Living Wage council in New Zealand.

The council joined about 110 accredited Living Wage Employers on the 2018 list committed to paying the Living Wage to all workers, including those employed by contractors.

This followed the announcement by the Minister of State Services Chris Hipkins that all employees in the core public service will receive an hourly rate of at least the Living Wage.

Hipkins said most of the workers who will benefit work in 13 government departments, and are clerical and administration workers, welfare workers, contact centre workers and assistant customs officers.